It is all a matter of timing at signals

Q. Despite what I've read, the traffic signals along Euclid Street seem far from coordinated, as I've never been able to make any of the green lights at major intersections. What's up?

– Manny Levine, Anaheim

A.Laura Scheper, a Orange County Transportation Authority spokeswoman, has the answer, and more.

"Euclid was the first street (the) OCTA synchronized as a pilot program in 2007," Scheper says. "The synchronization was very successful and cut travel time for drivers by as much as 23 percent along the 15 miles from La Habra to Fullerton. Synchronization has since occurred on 11 streets throughout the county and 20 additional synchronization projects are currently underway or programmed."

Scheper pointed out that over the years traffic patterns change, so the county's transportation agency is re-adjusting some previously timed streets to ensure they operate as efficiently as possible. Streets are eligible to be re-timed every three years, and Euclid is one of the major thoroughfares that is currently being re-timed. The project is expected to be completed this month.

"Through Measure M2, the half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, we will synchronize every major intersection throughout the county," Scheper says. "That's about 2,000 in total."

In addition to this good news, Scheper tossed in two tips for drivers to help them maximize the benefits of signal synchronization: Drive the speed limit and move with the flow of traffic; and don't speed up to a red.

Q. State College Boulevard, north of Orangethorpe Avenue, has deteriorated to an obstacle course of potholes, raised asphalt patches, deep grooves the length of a car, and bumper-scraping concrete dips. How about fixing this intersection and street?

– Edward McDonald, Fullerton

A. Back in June, Thuy Nguyen, a civil engineer for Fullerton, said the city would assess the pavement condition and see what could be done to improve the situation. Under further scrutiny, it appears that budget constraints play a part in delaying any improvements in the immediate future.

"There is no street reconstruction project for the intersection of Orangethorpe and State College at this time," says Ron Bowers, a city spokesman. "But we'll try to have our maintenance crews maintain it the best they can."

Yet, good news is on the horizon.

Bowers explains that the city has already scheduled the State College grade-separation project near the end of 2013. This will separate the railroad tracks north of Orangethorpe from car traffic. The city plans on having construction completed by 2016, after which the city hopes to repair the intersection itself.

Dr. David Rizzo is a podiatrist who doubles as Dr. Roadmap, answering transportation questions specifically for our north Orange County readers. To ask the good doctor a transportation question, contact him at DrRoadmap@DrRoadmap.com.